What would you buy for $9000-$12000??

[[MET]]

Hi everyone, In about a months time I will be in the market for a car in the region of $9000-$12000. I am down grading to invest some money elsewhere...

I just wanted suggestions as to what would you buy for 10K??

I've just turned 30 so a little over the whole buzz box and low, tinny, hard riding turbo jap cars, been there done that....


So far cars on my list were...

- 2001ish VX SS... bit of a down grade but still a nice car, but it will lose 2-3K in a few years time plus I will still have the big V8 fuel bill.

- 1995 ish VS HSV... not sure I want to step that far back in the scale of things although a nice 215i Senator or somthing might be a good option.

or something European...

- 1990 2 door Merc, luxury clean, classic will hold its value over 2-3 years..

- Some kind of Audi or BMW? pretty crap though for 10K


What else do people suggest?

I'd love some old skool Aussie 70s-80s muscle but that pushes 20K+ easy these days.

[bad88u]

vs hsv senator, and or clubby anyday

[redvxr8clubby]

While you can buy a vx SS for around $12K, I am thinking they will definitely be a higher mileage car at that price - probably over 150,000 Km. If your inclined to go VX SS, and there are some good looking ones around, I suspect you might need to spend more like $15 - 16k for a good one - may be around 100,000 Km. Not sure about an 18 year old euro - if you have problems I think repairs will be expensive, I don't know exactly what you had in mind here, but a 4 cyl BMW might be a better bet than a 6 cyl, as I think the bigger engine BM's start getting very expensive if you have problems. If $12K is you absolute limit have you thought about maybe a supercharged 6 - say a VX S pac or Calais - not a V8, but if budget critical, might be easier to find a good one for that money. You might even be able to find a VY S supercharged for just a little more than $12K.

[OzJavelin]

If I was selling my VY1 SV8 and got $12K these days I'd be happy .. I'd say there would be a few bargain private sales around. I think if you look hard enough and will accept a few high kms (with known service history etc), you could get a neat VY+ SV8, Berlina V8?

[255-LS1]

depends what you want mate, performance, style, looks....?

but if performance and low kays and fun are your thing would be hard to go past this one, haggle for 12K...

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/HOLDEN/COMMODORE/details.aspx?R=6382886&keywords=executive&trecs=87&Model=COMMODORE&__Ntk=CarAll&State=All%20States&__Nne=20&__Dx=mode%20matchany&Make=HOLDEN&__No=20&__D=executive&silo=1003&seot=0&__sid=11EBC5B7AC95&state_id=0&__N=4294965857%200%20246%204294965745%201216%20834 %20285%20257&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_I mageCount_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_LastModifiedDate_Dat eTime%7c1&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Cr=5&__Ntt=executive&distance=25

[COSMOS]

a guy at work sold his 02 VY berlina LS1 with 96000kms on ebay for just shy of 11k. Took him 6 mths and four attempts.

[MARRA]

Plenty of bargins around and I wouldnt be scared of something good with high kays - the price of crate engines these days you'd just slap one of them in if there was a major issue. My choice VX SS or VY SV8.

[SHANESVZSS]

how about something like this?? work him down to 12k or so look and sounds immaculate!


http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/HSV/CLUBSPORT/details.aspx?R=6549575&__Nne=20&Make=HSV&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_I mageCount_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_LastModifiedDate_Dat eTime%7c1&Model=CLUBSPORT&__N=4294965530%200%204294964634%204294933119%20429 4932865%204294932905%201216%20834%20285%20257&State=All%20States&distance=25&silo=1003&seot=0&Cr=18&__No=20&trecs=50&state_id=0&__sid=11739BD56622

[Metal]

;1413898']the whole buzz box and low, tinny, hard riding turbo jap cars



Wow, that comment was almost as nice as the " i'm over the whole badly made horrible quality Australian V8's " comments that you hear on other forums. haha, Settle down, not every jap turbo car ever made is like that =P

But going with that philosophy of yours, you can find older Beemers or Mercs that have been looked after for that price, and they hold up well for the age.. just accept that for the price, they will be a fair bit older.

[Nidz]

If you can stretch the budget a little more I got my mrs a VZ Berlina Alloytech (http://home.alphalink.com.au/~nbaxter/Misc/n716133266_1082492_7746.jpg)for 13999 on road.. I think that wasn't a bad price.. Low km too.. While it's not a big V8 it's a good cruiser and quiet as hell inside..

[Road Warrior]

Definitley the VX. Oh and speaking of fuel, it would probably use less than the VS Senator or whatnot, and put out more neddies...

[[MET]]

Thanks for all your input!

Surprising that the VX SSs are so cheap! I tend to look at sale prices and knock 2K off them straight away... so a decent 14K VX could be had for 12K 'theoretically'

I dont like the idea of V8 execs, I want something that still looks nice not like a stock/sleeper. Maybe a LS1 Calais is the go!

Also really like the VS II HSVs I think they would hold their value better than a VX and also are a bit rare these days for good examples, would love a 215 GTS but they are about 20K.

Keep the options coming its interesting to see what other people think!



Wow, that comment was almost as nice as the " i'm over the whole badly made horrible quality Australian V8's " comments that you hear on other forums. haha, Settle down, not every jap turbo car ever made is like that =P

ha ha sorry yeah, just been burnt badly by cars in the past, STI was a complete pile of sht! kept it for 12months... and also ive had a modded SSS pulsar... more fun than the rex! & a neck braking low S13... but really over those sort of cars. IMO the commodores ive had are far far better than any of those!

[Metal]

;1414129']ha ha sorry yeah, just been burnt badly by cars in the past, STI was a complete pile of sht! kept it for 12months... and also ive had a modded SSS pulsar... more fun than the rex! & a neck braking low S13... but really over those sort of cars. IMO the commodores ive had are far far better than any of those!

Yeah, thats fair enough =P After re-thinking that, for 9-$12000, the turbo japs probably will all be tinny and such, because it would be at the older end of that market =/ hmm. But because I own a bit of a mix of turbo and other, I can be biased whichever way i like, haha.

I never particularly liked the power curve of my LS1 (I mean stock btw!! :hide:), but of course you could always mod, and the price these days is in their favour. So I think personally I would be going a VX SS if you can find a decent one with Low Ks.

[seedyrom]

Australian LS1 and Holden Forums (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=111731)

That's the business right there

[[MET]]

Yeah I think the 5.7lt LS1 in stock form may be a bit of a let down compared to the 6lt VE... nothing an exhaust, filter and tune can fix I suppose :)


http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=111731

That's the business right there

not bad at all! 170,000kms but still pretty good! I will be looking to buy mid-late Feb so I will keep my eye on the markets :)

[Mikey]

Just remember though, if you go a VX, go a series II because of the extra link in the rear end. Also if your are after an eight, you stand a much better chance that the engine was not replaced because it was an oil breathing slapper.

Quick note, my wife’s 02 VX II V6 Berlina was purchase as a 12 month old 9,000 k car. The tyres lasted 70,000 (although they were nursed a bit near the end) with no sign of any uneven wear, especially the rear ones.

[[MET]]

cheers thanks for the tip Mikey!

[VT_Lance]

dude at my work sold his vr/vs not sure which is was GTS 215i for 8.5k but it had close to 200,000 on it

[SS-355]

vs hsv senator, and or clubby anyday

I second that but i might be a little biased as im looking for one myself to replace the missus lancer .In my view value for money nothing comes close to a 215 vs senator or gts in that price range although cleaner/modded examples may set you back a bit more.

[Martin_D]

Mate of mine bought a 1990 model 750iL V12 BMW for $6000 around a year ago. $300K new, now peanuts :cool:
Its good for 255km/h, has electric everything, and with $1500 worth of knock off rims looks modern. Been reliable too :)

[zaim]

Nothing wrong with Motown mate - have you actually been there????

[[MET]]

I'd use that money and buy an investment property in Moe.

Wow what an insite! now crawl back into your hole troll....

[drnick]

I'd use that money and buy an investment property in Moe.

Good trolling mate..

I live next to Moe in Newborough. Nothing wrong with the joint..

S

[Hi Octane]

Mate of mine bought a 1990 model 750iL V12 BMW for $6000 around a year ago. $300K new, now peanuts :cool:
Its good for 255km/h, has electric everything, and with $1500 worth of knock off rims looks modern. Been reliable too :)


Yep i agree good bargian

The guy next door has about 94 5 series beemer for about 5k, Its a v8, Fully loaded.

that or an early Audi.

[132OFT]

I'd probably steer away from the 'Benzes of the early 90's. Towed a few recently with failed computers. $8g to replace, genuine only if it can't be repaired. Heard rumors of these cars being knocked off and found with the computers missing to be sold on.

[German Statesman]

As you can guess, I'm a big fan of the Euros and some of them are ridiculously cheap.

My guess is in 6 months you should be able to put yourself into a '98-'00 W210 Merc E280 for that budget - it might have 150k on the clock, but we are talking about a tough ol' Munich taxi here so there's pleny of life left in her. Stay away from the cheaper E240 and E200 4 cyl engines, and stick with the 6 cyl E280 or the V8 E430 if you extend yourself to $15 to $18k. The diesels are commanding about another $10k more, but are DEFINITELY worth it - 9L per 100km in stop start traffic and 6L per 100km on the highway.

You can't go wrong with the 5 series of that vintage either, however my pick would be the bigger Sevens - carsales.com.au has a '95 E38 730iL in Kashmirbeige for $13k and that's laughably cheap. It won't be a racehorse with the 3.0L V8, but its got the propellor badge and the big Beemer looks for next to nix. A 740iL with double glazed windows, rear sun blind and the more powerful M60 4.0L V8 will set you back $15 to $18 for a unit with 160k on the clock und der 750 12 cylinder uber classy pimpinwagen will kick off at high $20s for the first series and pull up at high $30s for a last of series '00 or '01 with all the fruit, xenons, voice recog, sat nav, widescreen TV ('01s only) with AV input for playstation, iPod etc.

Me? I could be tempted with an '83-on Porsche 928 with the 4.7 V8 for high $10k prices - the lesser powerful 4.5s are going for under $15k, but its no good taking your cougar milf date home from the wanky coffee shop to your joint and being blown away by a P-plater in a Silvia....:bawl: If you could extend to early $20k's you'll pick up the first of the 32 valve S4s which will thrash an R8 off the lights and still kick down two gears at 100km/h before roaring like a bat outta hell all the way to a governed 250km/h.

Hope this helps...lots to choose from - have fun

[Swordie]

An alternative to Holden is the AUII or AUIII XR8? They sound better than an LS1 of the time and probably handle better too. A manual AUII or III XR6 would probably go alright too.

If you want a collectable Holden one of older Monaro would be worth considering.

I also like some of the German cars, Here’s my thoughts:
- Mercedes has bit of an old mans image in my opinion depending on the model chosen.
- BMW 5 Series E34 has a nice shape. Not as big as a Holden on the inside.
- BMW 328 E36 probably had one of the best sixes in the world at the time.
- E36 M3 if your budget was up to 20K.
- 928s are cool and have nice sound. In your price range probably not worth touching.
- I was advised by a Porsche Mechanic the 944 is a more affordable to own than a 928 if money is limited. I hear they are quite reliable to.

[nudenut]

An alternative to Holden is the AUII or AUIII XR8? They sound better than an LS1 of the time and probably handle better to. A manual AUII or III XR6 would probably go alright too.
OK choice if you can handle losing your lunch every time you look at the bloody thing ...

[Swordie]

OK choice if you can handle losing your lunch every time you look at the bloody thing ...

I like the look of them. Monaros and Chargers were out of favor for many years.

[Carby]

A bit left field but if you want a bit of Euro class a Saab 2000, 2001 9-5 or 9-3 can be had for about $12K. Mate picked up a 2000 9-5 with full leather wood dash, sunroof and other niceties with the 2.3 litre turbo for $12K (cost about $65K new), around 90K Kms - these things are roomy and don't swallow too much of the go juice and are rather classy inside - nice car.

[RustyTruck]

Saw a VY SS on carsales for 12500. Pretty much stock with 135,000k's on it.

Gave him a call and he said she sold pretty quick. There are a few deals out there on stock cars, just gotta be quick and have the cash ready I guess.

[German Statesman]

A bit left field but if you want a bit of Euro class a Saab 2000, 2001 9-5 or 9-3 can be had for about $12K. Mate picked up a 2000 9-5 with full leather wood dash, sunroof and other niceties with the 2.3 litre turbo for $12K (cost about $65K new), around 90K Kms - these things are roomy and don't swallow too much of the go juice and are rather classy inside - nice car.

Watch them - '00 and '01 Saabs were frequent visitors to service centres with blown turbos and clean oil is extremely critical with them and MUST be synthetic. Make sure all the major services including belts on the V6s are done to the letter, and watch for cracked firewalls/windscreens in the convertibles from terrible scuttle shake problems - really bad convertibles will have had the top of the firewall re-welded under warranty, and this involved almost total gutting of the car to do this...an Aero or V6 would most likely have had this done. Not really cured until the new '03 body came out and still evident in them on twisty roads and potholes.

Sad-looking convertible tops are fairly cheap non-genuine, but keep the conv mechanism greased because if it seizes the power top motor will keep grinding away until the roof frame buckles (expensive) and or the roof motor fritzes out (also expensive). Trim is hard wearing but plasticky bits are fragile especially the cupholders.

If you do buy one, see Planetdavo about some Holden Top End Cleaner - its a carbon solvent that is inducted through the engine and cures the age-old Saab problem of carboning up the combustion chambers. Absolutely transforms them, especially the older ones as they are more likely to have been run on unleaded instead of premium.

Pick of the bunch if you can find one, is a V6 Griffin - rare and blindingly fast turbo V6 in a 9-5 that was way too powerful for its chassis. Legend has it the first ten made were manuals given to journos who smashed second gear clusters in the gearboxes on 1-2 gearchanges after hitting 90km/h in first....:confused:....so much power, the force of the clutch re-engaging shredded the 2nd gear input shaft and wrenched the cog clean off the shaft! All the journos walked around shaking for half an hour mumbling 'faark, faark, faark' - Saab detuned them once they realised they'd overdone the power thing, but they are still a very dangerous car to try and hang onto if you let it off the leash

[macca33]

;1414608']Wow what an insite! now crawl back into your hole troll....


Good trolling mate..

I live next to Moe in Newborough. Nothing wrong with the joint..

S


It is sorted out lads, so we can now move on.


Zaim - keep the thread 'on topic' next time please.

[HSVQUE]

VX Calais Hands down.. or some type of VY Gen3 Maybe a SV8? although this will be on the higher side of your budget..

If you get into a VY it wont feel like to much of a downgrade from the VE as the dash/interior is fairly modern.. where as the VX and below have the VT style dash and do feel oldish..

a 215 VS GTS or Senator would be cool but for 12k you would be getting one on the High K's side of things so I wouldn't bother.

Rob

[WildBHaviour]

just found a red vx ss in melb on carsales think you might be interesded for 11k and 90k on the clock....


Man i hope this link works?????
http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/HOLDEN/COMMODORE/private-results.aspx?Make=HOLDEN&Model=COMMODORE&State=Victoria&distance=25&N=4294965857+82+391+410+4294965745+4294933082&PriceMin=10000&state_id=82&PriceMax=15000

[DaveHAT]

Bare in mind ... in respect to the whole "cheap" Euro car idea ... Whilst it might be cheap to buy initially, cross your fingers that you never have to lift the bonnet.

Simple rule with many older Euro cars ... Cheap to buy, EXPENSIVE TO KEEP.

Go the LS1 of some sort.

Can anyone say LS1, Climate control/3 window dash/all power options, 2 owners, Clean as a whistle, screaming for some mods and only $8000??? :confused:

BINGO !!! (Not a VXSS but cheaper to insure) CLICK --> http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/HOLDEN/BERLINA/details.aspx?R=6544478&keywords=5.7&PriceMax=10000&__Ntk=CarAll&State=All%20States&__Nne=20&__Dx=mode%20matchany&Make=HOLDEN&__D=5.7&silo=1003&seot=0&__sid=11ED56E955B6&state_id=0&__N=4294965857%200%201216%20834%20285%20257%20408&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_I mageCount_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_LastModifiedDate_Dat eTime%7c1&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&distance=25&Cr=16&__Ntt=5.7&trecs=20

[robbaggs920]

i think mate you wanna get something as new as you can in that price range. like a VZ excutive or something like that. you could get one with 100K on the clock for approx 10grand if you want spend 2000 - 2500 on some 19's and a catback and you have a car that handles great good on fuel is comfortable for long trips looks mint has enough poke for you to get away with a bit longer service intervals, cheaper services, cheaper insurance... the list of benefits goes on and on.

[old holden V8]

Watch them - '00 and '01 Saabs were frequent visitors to service centres with blown turbos and clean oil is extremely critical with them and MUST be synthetic. Make sure all the major services including belts on the V6s are done to the letter, and watch for cracked firewalls/windscreens in the convertibles from terrible scuttle shake problems - really bad convertibles will have had the top of the firewall re-welded under warranty, and this involved almost total gutting of the car to do this...an Aero or V6 would most likely have had this done. Not really cured until the new '03 body came out and still evident in them on twisty roads and potholes.

Sad-looking convertible tops are fairly cheap non-genuine, but keep the conv mechanism greased because if it seizes the power top motor will keep grinding away until the roof frame buckles (expensive) and or the roof motor fritzes out (also expensive). Trim is hard wearing but plasticky bits are fragile especially the cupholders.

If you do buy one, see Planetdavo about some Holden Top End Cleaner - its a carbon solvent that is inducted through the engine and cures the age-old Saab problem of carboning up the combustion chambers. Absolutely transforms them, especially the older ones as they are more likely to have been run on unleaded instead of premium.

Pick of the bunch if you can find one, is a V6 Griffin - rare and blindingly fast turbo V6 in a 9-5 that was way too powerful for its chassis. Legend has it the first ten made were manuals given to journos who smashed second gear clusters in the gearboxes on 1-2 gearchanges after hitting 90km/h in first....:confused:....so much power, the force of the clutch re-engaging shredded the 2nd gear input shaft and wrenched the cog clean off the shaft! All the journos walked around shaking for half an hour mumbling 'faark, faark, faark' - Saab detuned them once they realised they'd overdone the power thing, but they are still a very dangerous car to try and hang onto if you let it off the leash

G.S - I agree bargains galore with the Europeans...but I agree totally with what DaveHAT puts below...


Bare in mind ... in respect to the whole "cheap" Euro car idea ... Whilst it might be cheap to buy initially, cross your fingers that you never have to lift the bonnet.

Simple rule with many older Euro cars ... Cheap to buy, EXPENSIVE TO KEEP.

Go the LS1 of some sort.

Can anyone say LS1, Climate control/3 window dash/all power options, 2 owners, Clean as a whistle, screaming for some mods and only $8000??? :confused:

BINGO !!! (Not a VXSS but cheaper to insure) CLICK --> http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/HOLDEN/BERLINA/details.aspx?R=6544478&keywords=5.7&PriceMax=10000&__Ntk=CarAll&State=All%20States&__Nne=20&__Dx=mode%20matchany&Make=HOLDEN&__D=5.7&silo=1003&seot=0&__sid=11ED56E955B6&state_id=0&__N=4294965857%200%201216%20834%20285%20257%20408&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_I mageCount_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_LastModifiedDate_Dat eTime%7c1&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&distance=25&Cr=16&__Ntt=5.7&trecs=20

Not to mention INSURANCE!

The older you go with Euro's...the more $$$ it will cost to keep going...BUT as you know some of the Euro's (BMW, I know of first hand, have a 'Mobile Tradition' setup so owners of the older models can get OEM parts - a great idea) have spare parts still available OEM for 30 year + models (like mine..) which is great!

Also, you might find this URL helpful..

http://www.realoem.com (http://www.realoem.com/)

HTH

Laurie.

:)

[German Statesman]

Bare in mind ... in respect to the whole "cheap" Euro car idea ... Whilst it might be cheap to buy initially, cross your fingers that you never have to lift the bonnet.

Simple rule with many older Euro cars ... Cheap to buy, EXPENSIVE TO KEEP.

Go the LS1 of some sort.

Can anyone say LS1, Climate control/3 window dash/all power options, 2 owners, Clean as a whistle, screaming for some mods and only $8000??? :confused:

BINGO !!! (Not a VXSS but cheaper to insure) CLICK --> http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/HOLDEN/BERLINA/details.aspx?R=6544478&keywords=5.7&PriceMax=10000&__Ntk=CarAll&State=All%20States&__Nne=20&__Dx=mode%20matchany&Make=HOLDEN&__D=5.7&silo=1003&seot=0&__sid=11ED56E955B6&state_id=0&__N=4294965857%200%201216%20834%20285%20257%20408&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_I mageCount_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_LastModifiedDate_Dat eTime%7c1&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&distance=25&Cr=16&__Ntt=5.7&trecs=20

I do agree, to a certain extent.

The Euros are like Toyotas - you can rack up huge kms in them before anything goes wrong, and it costs a bomb to fix. On the whole, Mercs/BMWs will happily do 200,000kms before any major ependiture is needed, and apart from brake rotor replacements in some models, there are no surprises up to that point. Thank God for the non-genuine Euro parts guys and the many independent mechanics that have done their time in Euro dealerships and gone out on their own - a 505,000km BMW 740iL would be a scary proposition if it wasn't for them!!

However I've seen severe rear main oil leaks in V6 Commodores more times than I care to remember, blown head gaskets in Ford 4.0L 6 cyls and snapped timing chains in the 5.4 V8s, and don't start me on gearboxes - all before 200,000kms.....

Yes, there are bound to be some instances of Euro cars that don't apply to this rule (Alfa Romeos being one), but from a commercial vehicle operator's view a low maintenance car with no oil leaks, no head gasket issues, no gearbox problems, no failing air con compressors and no temper tantrums becomes a dream because there's no Dept Of Tpt roadworthy inspection issues, and more importantly no downtime.

Emotionally, I can think of nothing better than wringing the neck of a Clubbie of a Monaro around the twisting turns of Mt Nebo or winding one out on a deserted country road (or even an M5 come to think of it :)).....but I am an owner that looks at cars as a business tool to make money with, an overhead that has to be minimised in any way possible. With that in mind if you were to tell me I'd have less chance of spending money on repairs in the first 200,000kms buying a Euro than an Aussie car, sorry - Euro gets the gong.

Funnily enough, we have the perfect mix in the 300C at the moment. I'm not a fan of the styling and the ride is a bit crashy but I gotta admit the diesel 300Cs we have at the moment are close to being the perfect solution to a commercial vehicle operator's dream. An economical to run luxury long-life sedan with a large km span before any expenditure is required...this is just what we need without going to the purchase expense of a Merc/BMW. They'e a W210 E-class platform and diesel drivetrain anyway which makes them a Stuttgart taxi in new clothes!!

Great to see this thread....as a matter of interest, I have a '92 DCII LTD as a beater grocery getter and we're mumbling about looking for a WHII LS1 Caprice soon.